THE GROWTH OF MAIZE SEEDLINGS AS FUNCTION OFFREE ENERGY AND REDOX POTENTIAL

The difference in the growth of maize seedlings originating fromseeds injured by accelerated ageing, as well as those altered by restoring with low2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) concentrations was examined, from thepoint of view of free energy and redox potential. The ageing decreased germinationability, the seedling growth and free energy, with no remarkable influence on theredox capacity. Meanwhile, the 2,4-D treatment increased the germinationpercentage and the seedling growth, by better energy utilisation, with shifting ofthe redox balance to a reducing environment. From this point of view, the freeenergy and the redox potential are useful tools for the determination of biologicalvitality.